635 



y 1 ^ 

! The Peerless Series 

No. 70 



HEEDLESS SEX 

A Dramatic Sketch with a Prologue 

By C. Gordon Kurtz 



PRICE 50 CENTS 



Frank J. Stanton, Publisher 
Norwich, N. Y. 



All 25 cents each 

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Stanton Amusement Co., Norwich, N. Y. 



J 



HEEDLESS SEX 



A Sketch with a Prologue 



By C. Gordon Kurtz 



Copyright, 1922 

FRANK J. STANTON 

Norwich, New York 



Sj^r^ 



HEEDLESS SEX t-^ 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 
Martha Adams, who is rather heedless of good advice, 
Jim Warren, her true friend, 
Howard Carelston, an unprincipled schemer. 
The Waiter, a secret service man. 



COSTUMES 

Martha is neatly and stylishly attired and has hat and 
wrap. 

Jim wears a neat business suit. 

Carelston dresses very swell, rather sporty. 

Waiter, wears regular waiter's "uniform" until his last 
entrance when he is a "'plain clothes" officer. 



PROPERTIES 

required are few. A reading of the sketch will readily show 
those needed. 



TIME OF REPRESENTATION 
20 to 30 minutes. 



PERMISSION 
to produce this Sketch must be obtained of the Publisher. 

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1922 

BY FRANK J. STANTON, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington 

©CI.D 00 3 9. '5 
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HEEDLESS SEX 



PROLOGUE— Actlcn takes place in the Hallway of Martha Adams' 
board'ng house. Martha and Jim are discovered at rise of curtain. 

JIM--Listen, Martha, I tell you you must not go with 
Mr. Carelston. 

MARTHA-- Why have you such a grudge against him? 

J He's not the man for you to be in company with. 

M I begin to believe that you are getting jealous. 

J No, I'm not jealous. Can't you see it's for your own 
good? 

M Why, Jim, Mr. Carelston is a perfect gentleman. 

J Did it ever occur to you, Martha, that men like Mr. 
Carelston do not take young women, beneath their social 
standard, out for a good time, unless they expect some- 
thing in return? 

M Jim, you're just like mother was. She never allowed 
me to go out with any young man except you. Oh, Jim! 
it's always been you. Can't you see I must have a change 
once in awhile? Mr. Carelston is all right, he has been 
kind to me, and surely there can be no harm if he takes 
me out to dine. 

J Martha, I wish you would see this as I do. 

M I'm glad I don't. 

J But you must! 



HEEDLESS SEX 



M Listen, Jim, this talk against Mr. Carelston must 
stop. He's a gentleman and I ni going to keep my en- 
gagement with him. starts to leave 

J restraining her I can't let you go. 

M Jim, let go of me. I'm a young woman and can take 
care of myself. 

J I won't let you go--I can't. 

M breaks his h^ld I hate you for this and I'll never speak 
to you again unless you apologize to Mr. Carelston. You 
have insulted both him and me. Good bye. throws her wrap 
around her and Exits quickly 

J pause How could she? She don't understand. I can't 
let her go on. walks back and forth What shall I do.^ Oh, the 
HEEDLESS SEX! They will not listen to reason. She is 
too sure of herself, pauses thoughtfully She will need me. I 
must be ready. Carelston, if you don't do the right thing 
by that girl, you must answer to me! Exits. 

Quick Curtain or Change of Scene. 

SCENE — A private din'ng room in the Cife d^ h Cart. Table R C, 
with chairs at sides, hat tree R of C D, telephDne L of C D, sofa at L. 
At R of C D there is a practical sliding panel that affords entrance. 
Martha enters C D, followed by Carelston. 

MARTHA--surveying the room My! how cosy. Are we going 
to eat here, Mr. Carelston.^ 

CARELSTON--Yes, Miss Adams, this is our private din- 
ing room. Do you like it? 

M Do I like it! I am delighted with it. I am afraid 
that this will cost you quite a sum, Mr. Carelston. 

C laughs Money is no object to me when I go out for a 
good time. I guess you don't go out much, do you. Miss 
Adams? 

M No; only with Jim. 

C Who is Jim? 

M Oh, you must excuse me, I mean Mr. Warren. He's 
a friend of mine. One of the kind that think others 
should be warned against their supposed to be friends. 

C Oh, a joy killer, so to speak. May I help you remove 
your wrap? 



HEEDLESS SEX 



M Thanks; if you will, does so and hangs things en tree with 
his hat, gloves, etc. 

C Now I guess we're ready for eats, arn't we,Miss Martha 

M Whenever you are ready, Mr. Carelston. 

C I will see to it Immediately, goes to phcna Hello--yes. 
Please send a waiter up to Rooiii 9. Yes; right away. 
Good bye. replaces phone The waiter will be here soon. Is 
there anything special that you'd like to order.? 

M No; thank you. Anything will do, Mr. Carelston. 

C places his hands en her arms You're diSerent than the us- 
ual run of girls, Miss Adams. I'd like to get better ac- 
quainted with you. I want to be your pal. 

M You're quite a flatterer, Mr. Carelston, arn't you? 

C To others maybe, but to you I mean everything I say. 

M You really think that I am different than other girls. 

C I do. I-- 

WA ITER- -Enters C D Order please, produces pad end pencil 

G Roast chicken, the best vegetables, coffee, ice cream 
for desert and real wine two bottles. 

W White wine for the lady? 

G Make it one white wine and one bottle of the real 
stuff. The better the service the bigger the tip. 

W looking at Martha Yes sir; I understand. 

G Then beat it. Waiter Exits 

M That is rather an expensive order, Mr. Carelston. 

C I am out for a good time and expense is no object you 
know. I wish I'd met you before. The more I see of you 
the better I like you. Can't we be pals? 

M Yes, if you wish it. 

G I do. starts to place his arm aroun J her 

M Please, Mr. Carelston, please. You said pals. 

G Excuse me, I am a bit hasty, but your beauty is like 
a magic power, I can't help but put my arms around you. 
I'm lonely and need a pal. embrace her 

M disengaging herself Please, Mr. Carelston, I'm afraid you 
do not understand. I shall be your pal and the right kind. 
Waiter Enters with tray 

C But you must trust me, I-- 

W Here's your order, sir. Shall I serve it? 

G aside D-- that waiter, always interfering, aloud NO; put 
the tray on the table and leave us alone. We'll serve. 

W As you please, sir. Exits 



HEEDLESS SEX 



G Won't you sit down. Miss Adams. I shall have the 
honor of serving you. 

M Thank you, I will, he seats her and then sits opposite to her 

G This is the life, isn't it? A cosy room and a dinner 
for two. takes her hands in his To me you are beautiful. You 
have the skin I love to touch. Glose your lovely eyes. You 
are indeed beautiful. 

M draws her hands away I am beginning to think you are a 
great bluffer. Do you tell other girls the same thing.? 

G I never cared for others as I do for you. Please let us 
be more than friends. Let us learn to love. 

M I begin to think Jim is right. 

G Jim is right--what do you mean? 

M He advised me not to keep this engagement with you. 
He told me men like you did not give girls like me good 
times unless they expected something in return. I told 
him he was wrong! 

G I hope you won't believe him. Miss Adams. I hope 
you don't think that I would be unkind to you? 

M I beg your pardon, Mr. Carelston, for a moment I 
did believe, but I am sure you mean no harm. You will 
excuse me, won't you? 

G Why certainly. My admiration does look a trifle sus- 
picious, I'll admit, but please do not take offense, I mean 
nothing wrong. Believe in me, won't you? 

M Of course I will. I did wrong to doubt you in the 
first place. I'm sorry. 

G All is forgiven and now we shall eat. First comes the 
little appetizer, pours two glasses of wine This will do us both 
good, extends glass to her Drink with me to our friendship. 

M pushes glass back Please do not ask me to drink. I do 
not want to. 

G But there's no harm; there's nothing will harm you. 

M I am afraid that there is. 

G You are beginning to doubt me again. Miss Adams. 

M No, I do not doubt you, but you know yourself that 
wine is intoxicating. 

G This wine is not strong. It is only an appetizer. 
Please drink. 

M I'd rather not. 

G But I insist. You will enjoy your dinner much bet- 
ter. Please. Waiter enters 



HEEDLESS SEX 



W You are Mr. Howard Carelston, are you not? 

C Yes; what of it? 

W There is a gentleman down stairs to see you. He 
said he wished to speak with you privately. 

C What's his name? 

W He gave none, sir. 

C Why didn't you ask him for his name. 

W I did; he only said he was a friend of yours. 

C How does he know I am here? 

W That I do not know. 

C How did he find out I was in this room? 

W The manager recognized you. 

C Oh, I see. You must excuse me for a few moments. 
Miss Adams, I will return as soon as possible. Exit 

W My dear girl, do you know where you are? 

M Why yes, I read the sign when we came. This is the 
"Cafe de la Cart." 

W I mean do you know the reputation of the place? 

M Why, no. Has it a bad one? 

W I should say it had. I saw at once that you are not 
the kind of a girl that Mr. Carelston brings here. 

M Does he bring other ladies here? 

W I would not call them ladies, for they are not. 

M Then he does not mean to be friends with me. 

W He means to be a friend with no one he brings to a 
place like this. 

M I am trapped. 

W Yes; I am afraid that you are. 

M Is there any way out--I must leave at once. 

W You are right. The only way is through that door. 
Be quick and get your wrap and leave. 

M But the man down stairs. 

W There is none. That was just a bluff in order to 
warn you. Listen! here he comes now. Make some ex- 
cuse to leave. This place is constantly watched by the po- 
lice. You are in danger. Carelston Enters 

C What do you mean by telling me that a man wished 
to speak to me down stairs. 

W Well, wasn't there? 

G You know there wasn't. 

W Then he must have gone. 

G Well, clear out. We wish to be alone and do not care 



HEEDLESS SEX 



to be disturbed. Beat it! 

W Yes sir. to Martha Remember: some excuse. Exits 

C It's terrible to be disturbed so, isn't it. 

M Yes, it is--but Mr. Garelston, I have an unusal head- 
ache. Won't you excuse me. I guess the excitement is 
too much for me. 

G takes her hand Now come, you'll be all right. Just take 
a few sips of this wine and you'll feel better, holds wine to her 

M No, thank you, 1 must go. My headache is worse. 

C Then you must take a glass of wine. It will relieve 
you greatly. Please take it. he places glass to her lips and she 
strikes it from his hand 

M 1 said no, and 1 mean no. 1 will not drink. 

G Say, little lady, what has this waiter been telling you. 

M Nothing. I'm not feeling well and 1 ask you to ex- 
cure me. rises from chair and starts to go up stage for her wrap 

G stops her Not so fast my girlie. You don't get away 
with this as easy as you think. You're going to remain 
with me a little longer. 

M 1 will not. 1 have a right to go and come whenever 
1 please and you're not going to stop me. 

G We shall see. goes to door, locks it and puts key in his pocket 

M What are you doing. 

G You are going to stay with me. 

M Open that door! 

G What do you suppose 1 locked it for. That door will 
stay closed until 1 get ready to open it. 

M So Jim was right. 

G Do you mean to tell me that you came with me into 
a place like this, thinking that you would get something 
for nothing. Oh, you can't fool me. You're just like the 
rest of them, takes her in his arms 

M Please- -1 did not know-- 

G That don't go down with me. kisses her, she breaks away 

M rushes to door and pounds on it Help! help! police! For 
God's sake, help! Carelston pushes her away from door 

G Do you want the whole police force to come up here. 
Stay away from that door. 

M You have no right to hold me a prisoner. 1 want to 
go and you must let me go. 

G Gome, come, calm down. I'll be a good pal to you 
but you must meet me half way. 



HEEDLESS SEX 

M 1 don't want you for a pal, nor a friend. Stay away 
from me. 

C If you're going to fight, then so will 1. he starts for her 
and she runs to opposite side of table, they dodge and chise around the 
table When 1 do get you, you'll pay for this trouble you're 
putting me to. Gome away from that table! 

M 1 will not. You miserable beast, you have no right 
to keep me here. 

G 1 ask you again, will you come from behind that table. 

M NO! 

G Then I'll make you! tips table over Now you're mine! 

M Never! runs to L 

G Run where you please, I'll get you. 

M Never, he rushes toward her and she runs to over-turned table, 
picks up carving-knife Mr. Garelston, if you lay your hands on 
me I'll kill you! 

G Hear a small girl talk. Drop that knife, you fool. 

M I would be a fool if I dropped it. Now it's my play. 
You open that door! 

G Now, come, be a sport. Don't take this thing so se- 
riously, g^es toward her Let me be your pal. 

M If you come a step nearer I'll plunge this knife into 
you, you low animal! 

G 1 wish you would understand me. 1 only want you 
for a pal. suddenly he seizes he: wrist and twists it until she cries out 
and drops the knife There, girlie, what's your next move. 1 
am ready for you. she runs to door and pounds on it 

M Help! help! Oh, God, please bring help. 

G Get away from that door and stop that pounding. 

M 1 will not. pounds again louder Help! 

G Then I'll make you. starts for her, she runs to telephone and 
picks it up, screams into it 

M For God's sake bring help to Room 9. Hurry I'm-- 

G knocks telephone from her hand You'll suffer for this. You 
are the first one who ever pulled off a stunt of this sort on 
me and you're going to be the last, grasps her wrists 

M Oh don't! Please don't! Have mercy! 

G You've said that enough, they struggle violently and Ca- 
relston finally succeeds in thfowing her on sofa 

M Think what you're doing! Have pity! Please-- 

G You've made me fight and I've won. You're mine! 
he tries to embrace her and she struggles to free herself. Panel near door 



HEEDLESS SEX 



opens and Waiter Enters 

W L think I'll interfere, Mr. Carelston. Release your 
hold on the young lady. 

G What are you doing here and how did you get in.> 

M rushes to Waiter Oh, save me! 

W That's why am here. Calm yourself. 

G I'll get you for this. 

W Not while I have this, pulls revolver I happen to know 
that you carry one of the same kind, to Martha You are 
Miss Adams, arn't you? 

M Yes sir. 

W Miss Adams will you remove the revolver from Mr. 
Carelston's hip pocket .> 

G This is an insult. I won't allow it. 

W You are not dealing with a woman this time. If you 
resist, I have authority to shoot you. 

G Then show your authority. 

W turning back coat lapel, displays badge Here is my authority. 

G Who are you? 

W Alfred Keith of the Secret Service. I've been after 
you for some time and now I have the goods on you. If 
you resist the law I will be forced to shoot you. 

G Say, won't a bit of money cover this thing up a little? 

W I should say not. Miss Adams, please take the re- 
volver from him. 

M Yes, Mr. Keith, she obtains revolver as requested 

W Now, Mr. Garelston, you open that door, and don't 
hesitate. 

G Won't a large sum of money do? 

W I'm not in that kind of business. Open the door. 
Carelston goes to door which he unlocks and opens 

W goes up to him Now you will go along with me. Miss 
Adams, I'll return soon to take you home. 

M Thank you. I-- 

W You can tell me all when I return, hands Carelston his 
hat and gloves Gome, Mr. Garelston, we must be going. Exit 
Carelston and Waiter 

M Oh, why did I come here? Why didn't I listen to 
Jim? I cannot go back. He wouldn't understand. I see 
now how I havn't lived up to the lessons mother taught 
me. No, I can't go back, I can't go back! she sinks upon sofa 
What shall I do? holds up and looks at revolver This is my only 



HEEDLESS SEX 



hope. I can't go back. God help me and have mercy on 
my soul, she is about to place revolver to her head when Jim Enters 

JIM--Martha! goes to her, taking the hand with revolver 

M Jim! 

J What is this, Martha? You wern't going to take 
your own life, were you ? 

M Oh, Jim, I thought you wouldn't understand. 

J Martha, you don't trust me. 

M Jim, I'll always trust you. Take me home- -to your 
home, Jim. I need you. 

J You really mean it? 

M Yes, I do. 

J I've always wanted you. 

M I'm yours, Jim, body and soul. I'll never doubt 
your word again, pause Jim! 

J What is it, dear? 

M May I kiss you? they embrace and kiss. 

SLOW CURTAIN 



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Stanton Amusement Co., Norwich, N. Y. 



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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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34 The Servant Problem Solved. A rattling 
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35 The Widow and the Widower. A farce that 
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The old man wants the young lady and the old lady wants 
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36 Not a Criminal After All. A sketch for 3 males 
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37 How She Got a Husband. A sketch for 2 males 
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38 The Doctor's Assistant. An extremely funny 
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Stanton Amusement Co., Norwich, N. Y. 



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